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Exploring Trat Here’s How to Fall in Love with the Province of Nearly a Hundred Islands

Exploring Trat: Here’s How to Fall in Love with the Province of Nearly a Hundred Islands!

| Last Updated: June 2024

My college friends and I have a soft spot for parties, beach parties most preferably. And while we did our fair share of dusk-till-dawn parties in our younger days, I’d have to say I got the bug again when I visited Lonely Island in Koh Chang in Trat.

Those nights hit the ball out of the ballpark. Imagine being at the center of over 50 islands with crystal clear blue waters in the background and your feet beating the white sands—who wouldn’t be enthralled by the entire atmosphere?

But all the partying was just the beginning of my growing admiration for the place, and we’re so excited to share with you this guide to Trat! We’ll show you all the things to know that should make you fall in love with this coastal province, so read on!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Trat, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Trat Airport

Best Time to Visit Trat

Trat is best to visit between November and February for a cool and dry season that all but guarantees bright and sunny days during your trip. During these months, expect a good balance of cool temperatures and little to no rainfall.

That means you can explore Trat to your heart’s content at any time of the day. Plus, these weather conditions are perfect for island-hopping which is the province’s most popular activity.

But if you don’t mind the heat, summer time, which is from June to August, should cut it for you. 

How to Get to Trat

Plane: Booking a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat Airport is your fastest option when traveling from Bangkok. The flight duration is only approximately 1 hour, so this gives you plenty of time to spare for the province’s must-see attractions.

Bus: For budget travelers, boarding a bus at the Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok is the cheapest option to get to Trat. This method can take up to 5 hours and 30 minutes, but it’s a solid option considering the affordable bus ticket.

Buses to Trat depart from the terminal every 3 hours.

Taxi: Taxi is another feasible option if you’re willing to shell out extra cash for a faster 4-hour trip. Plus, you can always offset the pricey taxi fare by sharing the ride with other travelers who can split the bill with you.

Rental Car: We also recommend driving a rental car, especially if you want more freedom during your trip from Bangkok to Trat. Sure, you must pay for the gas on top of the car rental price, but letting you make as many stops along the way is worth it.

Just know that this requires a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. From Bangkok, drive eastward via the Sirat Expressway and Highway 7 before switching to the Ban Bueng 1 Toll Gate and Highway 344 which leads to Klaeng District, Rayong.

At Thang Kwian Town in Klaeng District, switch to Highway 3 and keep going until you reach Trat’s town center.

Where to Stay in Trat

De VeraNiO Resort

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Address: 129 Ruamjaianusorn Road, Mai Rut, Khlong Yai District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 98 246 9696

Website: http://deveraniotrat.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

De VeraNiO Resort is a contemporary hotel along Ban Chuen Beach, so it’s a great option for tourists who want a place overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Plus, all its rooms have balconies which means you get the most of the superb ocean view.

Their rooms are streamlined and modern, so you can stay with a reasonable amount of comfort and access to all the basic amenities you’ll need. Otherwise, you can get an upgraded room or a villa for a better ocean view, outdoor tub, terrace, and private pool.

This hotel also has a stylish restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness gym, and beachfront bar, so there are plenty of things to do here.

Avada Hotel

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Address: 1, Wang Krachae, Mueang Trat District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 39 510 345

Website: https://www.avadahotel.com/

Pricing: ฿

Avada Hotel is a top-rated modern hotel with chic and airy minimalist rooms. It’s located before Trat’s town center, so it’s best suited for tourists driving a rental car.

That makes it the ideal hideaway if you like to escape loud and busy streets. That means, aside from a couple of small residential buildings, most of the view you’ll get from your hotel room will be of the surrounding lush greenery.

Moreover, you get a stylish restaurant, cafe, and a small landscaped garden where you can relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Trat City Hotel

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Address: 411, 17 Wang Krachae, Tambon Wang Krachae, Muang Trat District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 86 327 8171

Website: http://www.tratcityhotel.com/

Pricing: ฿

This hotel is the best choice if you want to stay in the heart of Trat’s town center. It’s also along the main road, so you’ll get quick access to the town’s local shops, cafes, restaurants, and other popular attractions.

You also get a modern furnished room with all the necessities you’ll ever need for a comfortable stay. This includes a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, en suite bathroom, and a balcony overlooking Trat Town.

If you’re with your family, you can also upgrade to a larger suite with added coffee and tea-making equipment, a comfy seating area, and a bathtub. Aside from that, this hotel has outdoor pools with a gorgeous sun deck and water slides that kids will enjoy.

Where to Eat in Trat

Kiew Nong Bua

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Address: Bang Phra, Mueang Trat District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 92 988 8597

Website: https://www.facebook.com/kiewnongbua/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Kiew Nong Bua is a stylish restaurant known for its original Chinese egg noodles and wonton. They use thick, soft, and chewy Hokkien-style noodles which pair perfectly with their well-seasoned pork wontons.

It’s a cold noodle dish, so you also dip it in a seafood sauce which provides saltiness and umami. Aside from that, this restaurant serves excellent crab noodles, Chinese BBQ pork, and roasted duck which we think are definitely must-tries.

Banpuen Café Trat

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Address: 345, 4, Tambon Wang Krachae, Mueang Trat District

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 93 893 9779

Website: https://fb.com/banpuentrat

Pricing: ฿฿

This contemporary cafe is great for tourists looking for a quiet place to get their caffeine fix and satisfy their food cravings. They serve plenty of food options, from pastries to sandwiches, salads, fish steak, soups, and meat stir-fries.

However, we like it best for its dessert options. In fact, our top picks are their sweet and cutesy cake offerings. The best ones we recommend are the strawberry shortcake, coconut cake, Mandarin orange cake, and red velvet cake.

Have them with their fine selection of coffees, teas, milk, or Italian sodas and you’re set.

El Barrio

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Address: 98, 14, Tambon Ko Chang, Ko Chang District

Operating Hours: 12:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 80 092 8208

Website: http://www.elbarriokohchang.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

If you’re island-hopping adventure in Trat takes you to Koh Chang, El Barrio is a restaurant you can’t afford to miss. This place offers the best Mexican food on the island which they serve in a lively rustic dining area with fun tropical vibes.

Their bestseller is their Peruvian ceviche. It’s a fresh and healthy dish made with chopped raw fish, chili, onion, tomato, and coriander which are marinated in lime juice. 

Aside from that, tourists frequent this place for its excellent shrimp taco, fajita, and Mexican queso fundido with chorizo. Of course, you can’t forget about their superb margarita cocktail or tequila.

What to See and Do in Trat

Arrange a trip to Koh Chang

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Address: Koh Chang, Koh Chang District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Any trip to Trat won’t be complete without visiting the popular Koh Chang. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, so many tourists come to the province just for this paradise island alone.

After all, Koh Chang is home to several incredible cascades, pristine beaches, nature trails, forests, and dive spots. That’s why we suggest you spend at least a few days to experience everything the island has to offer.

Some of the must-see attractions on and near the island are Mu Koh Chang National Park, Salak Phet Mangrove Forest, and the sunken HTMS Chang ship. There are plenty of great hotels and restaurants here, so you’re covered for food and accommodation.

Explore Koh Kradat and meet its local deer population

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Address: Koh Kradat, Koh Kut District

Operating Hours: 24/7

If you’re up for a more relaxed and nature-filled island experience, there’s Koh Kradat. This private island offers a tranquil atmosphere, pristine sandy beaches, off-the-beaten-path nature trails, and plenty of wild deer.

Visitors can interact and feed the numerous deer roaming the island, so we think it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re an animal lover. The island also has plenty of coconut trees, so expect to see its caretakers harvesting and processing the fruits.

Koh Kradat doesn’t have an admission fee besides the 400-baht boat ride from Laem Son Beach in Koh Mak.

Laze around the beautiful beaches in Koh Kut

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Address: Koh Kut, Koh Kut District

Operating Hours: 24/7

For beach lovers, Koh Kut is the ideal island to visit if you’re vacationing in Trat. This paradise island has plenty of picturesque sandy beaches where tourists can sunbathe and swim to their heart’s content.

Moreover, Koh Kut has some rocky coastlines like Laem Bang Bao and Ao Phrao Beach, so you have great options for snorkeling. The island’s beach resorts also provide equipment for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding which is nice.

There are also three scenic waterfalls and numerous lush nature trails that we think avid hikers will love to explore.

Enjoy a peaceful island experience at Koh Mak

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Address: Koh Mak, Koh Kut District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Koh Mak is the perfect island destination for a more relaxed experience. This island features quiet and long beaches that tourists don’t frequent, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sit back and enjoy the pleasant island atmosphere.

That makes it ideal for couples who want to share intimate vacation memories and admire beautiful sunset views in peace. In fact, the island has two scenic capes where you can do just that: Cape Tukata and Cape Kradun.

It’s also packed with hotels and restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about accommodation and food.

Learn about the province’s history at the Trat City Museum

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Address: 9 Bang Phra, Mueang Trat District

Operating Hours: 

  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Weekdays)
  • 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekends)

Contact Number: +66 39 512 291

Website: https://www.museumthailand.com/en/museum/The-town-of-Trat-museum

Admission Costs: 30 baht

Going to Trat City Museum is your best chance to learn about the province’s rich history. This museum has plenty of detailed information and images of important periods that helped shape the province we know and love today.

That’s why this place is particularly a fan favorite among our team’s history buffs. They enjoy taking historical photographs, so the miniature naval ship models, artifacts, and dioramas in the museum’s exhibits were definitely a treat.

Stroll around Wat Buppharam’s temple complex

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Address: Wang Krachae, Mueang Trat District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Wat Buppharam is an ancient Buddhist temple in Trat, so we think every tourist should check it out at least once. Here, you’ll see numerous Buddha images, wall paintings, and floral patterns from over 300 years ago.

It has a large golden reclining Buddha image, so expect locals to frequent the place to pay their respects and pray for blessings. There’s also a museum for guests who want to see their collection of ancient relics and artifacts.

Just know it’s not always available for viewing, so you might need to return another day.

Drop by the Yuttanavi Memorial Monument

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Address: 23120 Anuson Sathan, Laem Ngop, Laem Ngop District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 61 540 7874

The place to go if you want to learn specifically about the French-Thai Battle in Trat which took place in 1941. It has a museum with a detailed account of the historic naval battle and several displays of items recovered during that time.

Aside from that, you’ll find numerous battle cannons and dual-purpose gun mounts you can inspect up close. That makes it ideal for war history buffs and firearm enthusiasts.

But that’s not all—this memorial sits along the Gulf of Thailand, so expect a surreal ocean view with Koh Chang in the background.

Visit Trat’s City Pillar Shrine

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Address: 1 Rhak Muang Alley, Bang Phra, Mueang Trat District

Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 39 520 333

The City Pillar Shrine in Trat is one of its most popular attractions, so we suggest checking it out while you’re in town. This elegant shrine is packed with Chinese-style ornaments and motifs mirroring its rich history and diverse culture.

It’s also a great place for recharging and strolling around. Since the shrine has plenty of Chinese-style statues and wall paintings, you’ll also get plenty of opportunities to capture interesting photographs. 

It even sparked an interesting legend during the French colonization, so be sure to ask for a local guide to learn about this shrine’s complete history.

FAQs about Trat

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